Feasibility test of biological degradation of heterocyclic sulfur compounds in anaerobic state

Abstract

Anaerobic biodegradability for sulfolane and thiolane was investigated in soil and anaerobically digested sludge. Biochemical methane potential was periodically quantified to assess biodegradability of microorganisms degrading the compounds prepared in the closed glass vessel. Relatively lower concentration of thiolane adopted in the test was hardly degraded in the soil. Moreover, its degradation was hindered in anaerobic digest sludge. In constrast, sulfolane was readily decomposed in both the soil and the anaerobic sludge. It is concluded that subsequent occurrence hindered in anaerobic digest sludge. In constrast, sulfolane was readily decomposed in both the soil and the anaerobic sludge. It is concluded that subsequent occurrence of thiolane as one of intermediates generated from the reduction of sulfolane would retard the remediation of the concerned area polluted with sulfolane and thiolane.

Key words:

• Sulfolane
• thiolane
• anaerobic degradation
• groundwater
• biochemical methane potential